Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter aimed at reviving stalled efforts to end the war between the two countries.
In the letter published on Thursday, Zelensky called for direct engagement with Putin and proposed setting a specific date for talks, while offering a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations.
“Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us—and you. I am proposing a meeting,” Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv was prepared to halt hostilities during the talks.
The proposal came shortly after Putin acknowledged the need to strengthen Russia’s air defence capabilities following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, including strikes on energy and military facilities in Saint Petersburg.
Responding to the development, US President Donald Trump welcomed the prospect of direct talks, describing a meeting between the two leaders as “great” while urging both sides to make compromises to achieve peace.
Trump said ongoing diplomatic efforts had contributed to the possibility of renewed dialogue, although he did not specify what concessions he believed each side should make.
The Kremlin said Putin had not yet reviewed Zelensky’s letter but reiterated that the Russian leader was open to receiving his Ukrainian counterpart in Moscow. However, Zelensky has previously ruled out travelling to the Russian capital for negotiations.
The Ukrainian president has repeatedly argued that only direct discussions with Putin can resolve key issues, particularly territorial disputes stemming from Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Moscow has maintained that Ukraine must withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region as a condition for meaningful peace negotiations, despite Kyiv continuing to control significant portions of the territory.
Speaking at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin again questioned Zelensky’s political legitimacy, noting that his presidential term expired in 2024. Ukraine, however, remains under martial law, which prohibits elections during wartime.
Zelensky has previously indicated that elections or a referendum on a final peace agreement could be held once a comprehensive ceasefire is achieved.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid intensified fighting and continued long-range strikes by both sides. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructure, describing them as retaliation for ongoing Russian bombardments.
Despite the conflict, Putin said Russia remained willing to pursue a peaceful settlement, while insisting that Russian forces continue to make gains along the frontline.
Recent battlefield assessments, however, indicate that Ukraine has regained some territory in recent months, marking a shift after a prolonged period of Russian advances.
Putin also acknowledged weaknesses in Russia’s air defence network following the latest Ukrainian drone strikes, pledging that Moscow would strengthen its defensive capabilities in response.
